How to lower my ride? Please help a newbie.

[los-lowrider]

OK, I ordered two 235/60-15 tires for my 8" rims. I would prefer it to change my complete wheel set-up but for me this is not really easy because all nice rims are only to buy in the USA. This means for me that the shipping costs are sky high and that I won't be able to drive them street legal in Germany.
So I hope that this smaler tires will work that I can try my new suspension. All together I love the new stance but I think it's a little to low but we'll see.
I hope to get a new 18/20 combo in several months so what would you recommend me to take.
Thank you all again for your help and input. I will send pics when the bed is on the truck. As you can see on this thread it take some more time to get all the stuff to Europe but that doesn't matter the only thing that counts is that the targets are getting accomplished.
Thank you!
Michel

[los-lowrider]

[los-lowrider]

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by los-lowrider

....This means for me that the shipping costs are sky high and that I won't be able to drive them street legal in Germany.....

Why would tires/wheels from the USA be deemed illegal in Germany?

So I hope that this smaler tires will work that I can try my new suspension. All together I love the new stance but I think it's a little to low but we'll see.
I hope to get a new 18/20 combo in several months so what would you recommend me to take....

If it's too low, try putting your stock springs back in & see how much that affects the ride height. I hope everything works out for you.

[moneyeater]

[QUOTE=SCOTI]Why would tires/wheels from the USA be deemed illegal in Germany?

That is because there are no official papers that tell about the weight capability and for what car or truck they fit and every rim (and everything suspension,brake and lightrelated that is not original equipment) in germany needs to go thru technical inspection by the TÜV (technical inspection association)!
If they don´t give their OK your not streetlegal!
To get the technical certificat for a rim they have to be tested execivly for breaking, weightcapability, fitment and quality!that means that at least one set is crushed,twisted and abused to the max!
And that are costs that nobody can pay to get only one set of nice american made wheels on his truck unless he wants to be a dealer for just this wheel or part he got the certificate for!
Here in good ol´germany you got to have an offical paper for everything!
Sounds dumm but it´s true!
You lucky poeple over there live in automotive paradise!

[los-lowrider]

Hey everybody, I just wanna let you know that it work with my new 235/60 tires on front. I am quit happy about that. Only thing is that the front is one additional inch lower now!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by los-lowrider

Hey everybody, I just wanna let you know that it work with my new 235/60 tires on front. I am quit happy about that. Only thing is that the front is one additional inch lower now!

MrGasket sells a rubber (or maybe it's poly) 1" coil spring 'isolator' that slips between the coil & the frame & gives additional height to the spring.

[los-lowrider]

Dear Scoti,

thanks for your reply.But I thought about some helper bags for the front. First I want to try the aczual set up but I think it won't be driveable so it will take some time to get the right set up!

[N2TRUX]

Your progress is looking good. Keep the updates coming....

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by los-lowrider

Dear Scoti,

thanks for your reply.But I thought about some helper bags for the front. First I want to try the aczual set up but I think it won't be driveable so it will take some time to get the right set up!

I've never seen 'helper bags' in a small enough O.D. to fit within a front coil spring. The rubber isolators are fairly cheap & available through Summit/Jegs if I remember correctly.

[los-lowrider]

I thought about this Springs will: • Keep the vehicle front end down
• Level off center loads,,, front to rear or side to side
• Increase vehicle stability and control

• Reduce suspension fatigue
• Carry loads ranging from 1000* to 5000 lbs.
*Do not exceed the GVWR of the vehicle






Easy install with hand tools they create a variable rate spring! Fill the bed and simply pump up with air for improved steering control. Side to side or front to rear adjustable, improves load carrying ride and much more.
Most $72.95

[SCOTI]

I'm familiar w/the helper bag set-ups, I've just never heard of one that would fit inside of front coils. That sounds like a good choice.

[TEAM THC]

The Lower The Better!

[los-lowrider]

I just wanna keep you all up to date. Today I did the first test drive with the new set up, it is something complete different but very cool. It all seems to work well just my exhaust needs to be replaced. So here you go some new pics. Sorry for the quality but the pics were taken with my mobile:

[moneyeater]

whoohoo,der ist ja echt SAUTIEF! Veery low!

[boxrodz]

Ditto on what moneyeater said...

Looks good and real low.

I've seen the cool rites. But, if you can swing it, maybe firestones convoluted bags would give you more versatility. About $200 can get the bags, cups and plates. If you can get them, it may be more over there.

Again, looking good.
BTW, I chopped the rear a bit for a different look.

[los-lowrider]

The chopped rear is looking good but I love my longbed. Yesterday I ordered an air lift set up at summit (front, rear and onboard air). I think this products are fairly cheap.
I wonder that the sure set is so cheap. It contents compressor, digital controler, valves and all the stuff I will need and that all for 280$.
Does any one of you use air lift components?

[los-lowrider]

This is the stuff I ordered:

Summit article numbers
AIR-25004
AIR-59106BT
AIR-81560

Maybe you can give me any feedback on this parts or recommend me advices for the installation.

Best regards
Michel

[boxrodz]

Michel,

I'm not too familar with these Air Lift products, other than the fact that they're for load-assist, stock applications. But, they may work in your case. If you visit Air Lift's web site, you can find installation instructions. Check these out:

• Front Bags
• Rear Bags
• SureSet

Many of the early 'baggers' used Air Lift's Easy Street products that included the convoluted bags similar to what I mentioned earlier. Using this bag in front instead of the load assist bag inside of the coil spring would give you a true air ride in front.

Good luck with your install.

[Chevrolet4x4s]

Whats wrong with the current wheels they really look good on your truck?How much did you lower it it looks awesome
Shane

[los-lowrider]

My next plans are to replace front with an ART ARF11802-LUCA.


(1973-1987) Chevrolet C-10,Suburban,Blazer front Cool-Ride kit with tubular upper and lower StrongArm kit

Product ID: ARF11802-LUCA

Price: $999.00

Has anybody experience with this set up? Is it worth it and how much extra drop offers it?

[los-lowrider]

By the way I have a lot of updates on my website maybe you're interested in it.

www.los-lowrider.com

[boxrodz]

Originally Posted by los-lowrider

My next plans are to replace front with an ART ARF11802-LUCA.


(1973-1987) Chevrolet C-10,Suburban,Blazer front Cool-Ride kit with tubular upper and lower StrongArm kit

Product ID: ARF11802-LUCA

Price: $999.00

Has anybody experience with this set up? Is it worth it and how much extra drop offers it?

I don't have any expereince with them, but I don't believe that tubular arms themselves offers any more drop. It does give you tubular arms with better ball joint alignment. And, by replacing your drop steel spring/load-assisted setup with the kit's convoluted air spring, you'll end up with a true air bag setup that's fully adjustable. Air Ride Tech offers a quality product, abeit at a higher cost. Check out suicide doors front air bag kit (sans the tubular arms) for the 73-87s, if you're looking to lower your costs.

[boxrodz]

Originally Posted by los-lowrider

By the way I have a lot of updates on my website maybe you're interested in it.

www.los-lowrider.com

Site looks good.

Looks like you're trying to set up a German's version of 73-87.com. eh?

[los-lowrider]

@boxrodz
I checked the suicide page but I have no idea what to choose. Should I take single or double port bags and which brand is the best.
And where can I find a sheet or something else regarding differences on the extended, ride and deflated size? What diameter would fit ans so on and on.
Maybe you can give me a hand to get the right set up.

Regarding the ART kit if this arms only help for alignment then it's a way too expensive I think. My idea was that they give me an additional drop and more claerance under the truck.